§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of purchasing and restoring regimental silver in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. SoamesArmy regimental silver is maintained by the relevant regiment or corps using money from mess funds or other non-public funds. In the case of the Navy, it is referred to as "naval silver" and the cost of maintenance is borne by a registered charity through donations, and hire charges levied on ships and establishments for the loan of items. In common with the Army, Royal Air Force silver is purchased and restored using mess funds and other non-public funds. In the light of this, I can confirm that there is no cost to the public purse for the purchase or restoration of regimental silver, naval silver or silver belonging to the Royal Air Force.